Not for the first time this season the flanker will lead the Exiles into action, and despite a play-off place having long since been secured, there is much at stake for the Exiles.
With Leeds Carnegie hosting Cornish Pirates later this evening at Headingley, Welsh will know exactly what they have to do at Old Deer Park to make sure of second place, while for those in red Saturday also represents the final chance to stake a claim for a semi-final starting place.
“It’s a huge game; it’s a build up to the play-offs and it’s people fighting for positions and to stay in positions,” said Kirwan. “So for the team it’s a really big game – a lot could be decided.
“You’re going to play your strongest team in the semi-final, and you’re going to play who’s playing well at this moment in time. So everyone wants to be involved and do well.
“The fight for places really began within the squad when we guaranteed a play-off place – people wanted to be involved and it’s come down now to the last week. If you’re border line you’ve got to come out fighting and put your name on that team sheet.”
Defeat to Bristol brought to an end the Exiles’ seven game winning run in the Championship and guaranteed Bristol top spot, but Kirwan isn’t unduly concerned by that.
“The result didn’t go our way, but it wasn’t a massive issue for us,” he said. “We’re pretty happy with where we are. The errors we made at Bristol were individual errors. If we can rectify them and get a bit more ball, they’re definitely a beatable team.
“You only get one chance in the play-offs and it’s better to make those mistakes now.
“Our focus now is on Nottingham, putting in a good performance and moving on to what looks like Leeds in the semis.”
